Harmonia | Pokémon Fanfiction

15 | Apologize

Music in media: Apologize by OneRepublic

13 January, Thursday, 2 p.m. | Winter

The return to reality was always disorientating and Rae was sure as high heavens she wasn't tripping. Professor Juniper went to her side swiftly and placed her hand over Rae's forehead, and upon commenting the girl was really alright, thank Arceus, the woman proceeded to comfort Rae with the fact that Castelia City was on lockdown because the jazz band members lounging at one part of the city were killed, thus accounting for the silence of the city.

Seeing that Rae was indeed quite alright as Professor Juniper affirmed, the rest of them left for lunch (Icosa's treat, on Cheren's orders, for the sake of an apology lunch) in hopes of snooping out who the murderer might be. Rae wished them utmost safety while Professor Juniper sauntered to the kitchen to make them both as well as Rae's Pokémon some good ol' wraps full of Snivy tail-leaves and fresh Tepig bacon. It somehow made sense that Oshawott wasn't hurt in the process because "Oshawott supremacy", said Professor Juniper with a chortle, "but really, Rae, would you want to munch on a scalchop?"

Rae shook her head and gobbled up the wrap. Her Pokémon ate with gusto. While she waited for them to finish their meal, she asked the professor about Zen Mode Darmanitan and Dream Mist, if Munna and Musharna might have lived in the Relic Castle centuries ago too. Professor Juniper pondered over this possibility and decided a visit to Relic Castle after the lockdown was over was necessary to find out the purpose of Zen Darmanitan beyond psychological offence and self-defence.

With the professor preoccupied with her thoughts, Rae took the opportunity to make her leave.

"Hands off the door, Rae," said Professor Juniper, crossing her arms. "Where do you think you're going?"

Rae cast a furtive glance at her. "To meet Burgh."

"You're not in the best state."

Rae eyed Tabutabu and requested for a Heal Pulse. "I think I am now. Thank you and goodbye, Professor."

She dashed down the stairs before Professor Juniper could stop her, and out of the building to the Gym. Burgh was already there with a look of apprehension.

"Why the hurry? What's the rush?" He caught her just before she tripped over her foot and gave her a big smile.

"It's nothing."

Burgh didn't pursue the matter further. Instead, he turned towards the door with trepidation overflowing, beads of sweat all over his being. With a low grunt, he yanked it open and drew the attention of the Harlequins inside, passing him snickers unanimously in an effort to mask their shock which was still lingering and flickering in their eyes.

"B-Burgh!" One of them spluttered.

They soon averted their gazes towards Rae and questioned her presence. Was she a challenger or Burgh's daughter or niece or what?

"Aomine Rae, from Johto. She's a Normal-type specialist." Burgh held his gaze on each and every one of them.

Rae realised now they all looked identical to each other and it was really difficult to tell them apart. She had to rely on their nametags. Their names were familiar. Then it struck her they were the artists whose works were currently on display in Studio Castelia. For a moment she had forgotten so. Each of them had a Pokémon that was thematically linked to their works. Gary had a Laversta, linked to the Simipour's arson and the Bug-type was capable of strangulation if it tried. A Scyther that could potentially cut down a Runerigus stood beside Jack. Clarence had a Vikavolt that could unleash bullets of electricity. Rick's Lokix guaranteed foul play and a bag of murderous tricks. And when one thought of explosions, like a bomb in a Revavroom, the Bug-type go-to was often Pineco, so it wasn't a surprise to see the Pokémon balancing atop Anders's head. For a taco restaurant, however, perhaps the Pokémon that resembled most closely to a steel taco or the like was Shelmet, hence the Shelmet's presence near Louis.